EP1702817A1 - Contacteur de bouclage de ceinture de sécurité, bucle avec un contacteur de bouclage de ceinture de sécurité, et ceinture de sécurité employant une boucle - Google Patents

Contacteur de bouclage de ceinture de sécurité, bucle avec un contacteur de bouclage de ceinture de sécurité, et ceinture de sécurité employant une boucle Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1702817A1
EP1702817A1 EP06003584A EP06003584A EP1702817A1 EP 1702817 A1 EP1702817 A1 EP 1702817A1 EP 06003584 A EP06003584 A EP 06003584A EP 06003584 A EP06003584 A EP 06003584A EP 1702817 A1 EP1702817 A1 EP 1702817A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
buckle
contact
movable
contacts
actuator
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP06003584A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1702817B1 (fr
Inventor
Tomohiro Takao
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Takata Corp
Original Assignee
Takata Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Takata Corp filed Critical Takata Corp
Publication of EP1702817A1 publication Critical patent/EP1702817A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1702817B1 publication Critical patent/EP1702817B1/fr
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/02—Details
    • H01H13/12—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H13/14—Operating parts, e.g. push-button
    • H01H13/18—Operating parts, e.g. push-button adapted for actuation at a limit or other predetermined position in the path of a body, the relative movement of switch and body being primarily for a purpose other than the actuation of the switch, e.g. door switch, limit switch, floor-levelling switch of a lift
    • H01H13/186—Operating parts, e.g. push-button adapted for actuation at a limit or other predetermined position in the path of a body, the relative movement of switch and body being primarily for a purpose other than the actuation of the switch, e.g. door switch, limit switch, floor-levelling switch of a lift wherein the pushbutton is rectilinearly actuated by a lever pivoting on the housing of the switch
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R22/00—Safety belts or body harnesses in vehicles
    • B60R22/48—Control systems, alarms, or interlock systems, for the correct application of the belt or harness
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/12—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage
    • H01H1/36—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by sliding
    • H01H1/365—Bridging contacts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R22/00—Safety belts or body harnesses in vehicles
    • B60R22/48—Control systems, alarms, or interlock systems, for the correct application of the belt or harness
    • B60R2022/4808—Sensing means arrangements therefor
    • B60R2022/4816—Sensing means arrangements therefor for sensing locking of buckle
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/45—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock]
    • Y10T24/45225—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock] including member having distinct formations and mating member selectively interlocking therewith
    • Y10T24/45602—Receiving member includes either movable connection between interlocking components or variable configuration cavity
    • Y10T24/45623—Receiving member includes either movable connection between interlocking components or variable configuration cavity and operator therefor

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a buckle which is equipped in a vehicle such as an automobile and into which a tongue slidably supported by a seat belt for protecting a vehicle occupant is inserted and engaged, and a seat belt device including the same, and more particularly, it relates to a buckle switch for detecting engagement between a tongue and a buckle, a buckle including the buckle switch, and a seat belt device including the buckle.
  • a seat belt device equipped in a vehicle prevents a vehicle occupant from being thrown out of a seat by securing the vehicle occupant using a seat belt to protect the vehicle occupant at the time of an emergency such as a case where rapid deceleration of a vehicle due to a collision occurs.
  • a seat belt device includes a tongue slidably supported by the seat belt and a buckle fixed to a vehicle body or a vehicle seat. By inserting and engaging the tongue into the buckle, the seat belt is fastened across the vehicle occupant and the vehicle occupant sitting in the vehicle seat is secured and protected by the seat belt.
  • a buckle switch for detecting engagement between the tongue and the buckle is provided in the buckle.
  • a buckle switch in which an actuator for operating a press button of a switch is provided in a switch main body and which detects the engagement between the tongue and the buckle by moving a switch operator such as an ejector using a tongue inserted into the buckle, operating the actuator with the movement of the switch operator, and pressing the press button to switch on the switch with the operation of the actuator (for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-311091 ).
  • Fig. 6 illustrates a buckle switch disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-311091 , where Fig. 6(a) is a cross-sectional view illustrating an OFF state of the buckle switch, Fig. 6(b) is a cross-sectional view illustrating an ON state of the buckle switch, and Fig. 6(c) is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of a contact portion of the buckle switch.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates a buckle switch disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-311091 , where Fig. 6(a) is a cross-sectional view illustrating an OFF state of the buckle switch, Fig. 6(b) is a cross-sectional view illustrating an ON state of the buckle switch, and Fig. 6(c) is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of a contact portion of the buckle switch.
  • 6(a) 1 denotes the buckle switch
  • 2 denotes a switch main body
  • 3 denotes an actuator which is provided in the switch main body 2 such that it can be flexibly bent
  • 4 denotes a normally-closed fixed terminal fixed to the switch main body 2 (hereinafter, referred to as NC terminal)
  • 5 denotes a normally-opened fixed terminal fixed to the switch main body 2 (hereinafter, referred to as NO terminal)
  • 6 denotes a common terminal fixed to the switch main body 2 (hereinafter, referred to as COM terminal)
  • 7 denotes a fixed contact electrically connected and attached to the NC terminal 4 at the upper side of the NC terminal 4
  • 8 denotes a fixed contact which is electrically connected and attached to the NO terminal 5 at the upper side of the NO terminal 5 and faces the fixed contact
  • 9 denotes a movable contact which can selectively contact two fixed contacts 7 and 8
  • 10 denotes a movable piece which is provided in the switch main body 2 such that
  • the movable piece 10 is biased at the center of the point 10a in a clockwise direction by a biasing force of the spring 12, and the movable contact 9 of the COM terminal 6 contacts the fixed contact 7 of the NC terminal 4 and is separated from the fixed contact 8. Accordingly, the COM terminal 6 is electrically connected with the NC terminal 4 and disconnected from the NO terminal 5, and the buckle switch 1 is in the OFF state. At this time, since the movable piece 10 is biased by the biasing force of the spring 12 in a direction that the movable contact 9 contacts the fixed contact 7, the contact between the movable contact 9 and the fixed contact 7 is held without sudden separation.
  • the operation point 11b is moved downward and the tongue is inserted into a position where it can be engaged with the buckle, the direction of the biasing force of the spring 12 for biasing the movable piece 10 is changed from the clockwise direction to a counterclockwise direction and the movable piece 10 rotates about the point 10a in the counterclockwise direction.
  • the movable contact 9 is separated from the fixed contact 7 and contacts the fixed contact 8.
  • the COM terminal 6 is disconnected from the NC terminal 4 and electrically connected to the NO terminal 5.
  • the buckle switch 1 is switched on and is in an operation state.
  • the buckle switch 1 is switched from OFF to ON at a relatively high speed.
  • the second actuator 11 rotates about the point 11a in the counterclockwise direction by the biasing force of a return spring (not shown), and an operation portion C and the press button 13 are moved upward toward a non-operation position.
  • the direction of the biasing force of the spring 12 against the movable piece 10 is changed from the counterclockwise direction to the clockwise direction and the movable piece 10 rotates about the point 10a in the clockwise direction.
  • the movable contact 9 is separated from the fixed contact 8 and contacts the fixed contact 7.
  • the COM terminal 6 is disconnected from the NO terminal 5 and electrically connected to the NC terminal 4.
  • the buckle switch 1 is switched off and is in an initial operation state.
  • the contact structure of the buckle switch 1 disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-311091 is a butt contact structure in which the movable contact 9 vertically contacts each of the fixed contacts 7 and 8, the following problems are caused. That is, for example, as shown in Fig. 6(c), in a case where a gap C is generated between the movable contact 9 and the fixed contact 8, if a foreign material exists in the gap C, the foreign material is inserted between the movable contact 9 and the fixed contact 8 when the movable contact 9 contacts the fixed contact 8. Although not shown, similarly, even in a case where a gap C is generated between the movable contact 9 and the fixed contact 7, the foreign material is inserted between the movable contact 9 and the fixed contact 7.
  • the buckle switch 1 since the buckle switch 1 has the butt contact structure, it is difficult to automatically remove a foreign material inserted between the movable contact 9 and each of the fixed contacts 7 and 8 and a non-conductive product generated at the respective surfaces of the fixed contacts 7 and 8 and the movable contact 9. Thus, a cleaning operation for removing the foreign material or the non-conductive product should be periodically performed.
  • a buckle switch which comprises a movable contact which is moved by an actuator which operates by position change of an element of which the position is changed at the time of engagement and non-engagement between a tongue and a buckle; and a fixed contact to which the movable contact can be attached or detached, and detects the engagement between the tongue and the buckle in the state that the movable contact and the fixed contact are attached to and detached from each other, wherein the movable contact and the fixed contact slidably contact each other.
  • a movable piece which is moved by the actuator may be included, the movable contact comprises first and second movable contacts fixed to the movable piece, the fixed contact comprises first and second fixed contacts to which the fist and second movable contacts can be attached or detached, respectively, a third movable contact fixed to the movable piece and a third fixed contact which always contacts the third movable contact are further included, the first to third movable contacts are electrically connected to one another, the first and second fixed contacts are electrically connected to a normally-closed fixed terminal and a normally-opened fixed terminal, respectively, and the third fixed contact is electrically connected to a common terminal, and the first to third movable contacts slidably contact the first to third fixed contacts, respectively.
  • the buckle switch according to a first embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the first to third movable contacts are provided in a straight line perpendicular to the movement direction of the movable piece, and an end edge of the first fixed contact connected to the normally-closed fixed terminal and a start edge of the second fixed contact connected to the normally-opened fixed terminal are set on another straight line perpendicular to the movement direction of the movable piece.
  • the buckle switch according to a second embodiment of the invention includes an operator which operates by the actuator moving and contacting the operator and connects the movable contact to the fixed contact.
  • the position of the element is changed with the straight line movement, the actuator has a pressed portion which is pressed by the element and the pressed portion has a contact surface which contacts the element, and the contact surface is formed of a sloped surface which slopes by 45 degrees or more with respect to the movement direction of the element at the time of switching OFF to ON.
  • the buckle switch according to a third embodiment of the invention further includes an actuator biasing means which biases the actuator in a direction that the movable contact is not moved when the operation amount of the actuator is not greater than a predetermined amount, and biases the actuator in a direction that the movable contact is moved when the operation amount of the actuator is greater than the predetermined amount.
  • a buckle comprising a buckle switch which operates when a tongue is inserted into and engaged with the buckle, wherein the buckle switch is the buckle switch mentioned above.
  • a seat belt device comprising at least a seat belt for securing a vehicle occupant, a seat belt retractor which retracts the seat belt such that the seat belt can be pulled out, a tongue slidably supported by the seat belt, and a buckle to which the tongue is detachably engaged, wherein the buckle is the buckle described above.
  • the movable contact since the movable contact slidably contacts the fixed contact, it is difficult to insert a foreign material between the movable contact and the fixed contact. Although the foreign material is inserted between the contacts, it is possible to easily remove the foreign material by the sliding between the movable contact and the fixed contact. In addition, it is difficult to generate a non-conductive product at the contact surface between the movable contact and the fixed contact by the slidably contact between the movable contact and the fixed contact. Furthermore, although the non-conductive product is generated at the contact surface, it is possible to easily remove the non-conductive product by the sliding between the movable contact and the fixed contact.
  • the buckle switch is switched on or off while removing the foreign material or the non-conductive product or can automatically remove the foreign material or the non-conductive product by switching on/off the buckle switch.
  • the electrical conduction between the movable contact and the fixed contact can be sufficiently ensured for a long time.
  • the first to third movable contacts are provided in a straight line perpendicular to the movement direction of the movable piece and the end edge of the first fixed contact and the start end of the second fixed contact are provided in another straight line perpendicular to the movement direction of the movable piece, the stroke loss of the movable contacts can be substantially removed. Accordingly, the buckle switch can be switched on/off at a high speed or in a short time, without substantially time lag. Thus, the switching time of the switch can be shortened.
  • the pressed portion of the actuator has the contact surface which contacts the element and the contact surface is formed of the sloped surface which slopes by 45 degrees or more with respect to the movement direction of the element when the buckle switch is switched from OFF to ON, the speed of switching the buckle switch from OFF to ON can increase.
  • the actuator is biased by the actuator biasing means in a direction that the movable contact is not moved when the operation amount of the actuator is not greater than a predetermined amount
  • the actuator is biased by the actuator biasing means in a direction that the movable contact is moved when the operation amount of the actuator is greater than the predetermined amount
  • the buckle and the seat belt device of the present invention it is possible to surely perform the operation for a long time and stably perform various control operations related to the seat belt when driving the vehicle, such as the operation of controlling the other components of the vehicle or the operation of controlling the tension of the seat belt, based on the installation of the seat belt.
  • Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a seat belt device including a buckle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the seat belt device 14 includes a seat belt retractor 16 which is fixed to a B pillar 15 of a vehicle body and driven by a motor, a seat belt 19 which is pulled out of the seat belt retractor 16 and of which a belt anchor 17 of the front end is fixed to the bottom of the vehicle body or a vehicle seat 18, a guide anchor 20 which is provided in the vehicle body such as a center pillar and guides the seat belt 19 pulled out of the seat belt retractor 16 toward the shoulder of a vehicle occupant A, a tongue 21 which is slidably supported by the seat belt 19 guided by the guide anchor 20, and a buckle 22 which is fixed to the bottom of the vehicle body or the vehicle seat and into which the tongue 21 is detachably inserted and engaged.
  • the seat belt retractor 16, the belt anchor 17, the seat belt 19, the guide anchor 20, the tongue 21, and the buckle 22 are conventionally well known.
  • Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a buckle switch according to an embodiment of the present invention, where Fig. 2(a) illustrates a non-operation state of the buckle switch, Fig. 2(b) illustrates an operation start state of the buckle switch, and Fig. 2(c) illustrates an operation state of the buckle switch.
  • Fig. 2(a) illustrates a non-operation state of the buckle switch
  • Fig. 2(b) illustrates an operation start state of the buckle switch
  • Fig. 2(c) illustrates an operation state of the buckle switch.
  • the same components as those of the conventional example shown in Fig. 6 are denoted with the same reference numerals and thus their detailed description will be omitted.
  • a buckle 22 has a base frame 23 having a U-shaped cross section and having both sidewalls 23a and 23b and a bottom wall 23c.
  • a guide hole 23d which extends in a longitudinal direction (horizontal direction in Fig. 2(a)), that is, directions ⁇ and ⁇ of inserting and ejecting a tongue 21, is perforated in the center of the bottom wall 23c of the base frame 23.
  • An ejector 24 (corresponding to an element of which the position is changed at the time of engagement and non-engagement between the tongue and the buckle) for ejecting and releasing the tongue 21 inserted into the buckle 22 from the buckle 22 is slidably provided in the guide hole 23d and is guided by the guide hole 23d.
  • An actuator pressing portion 24a which contacts and presses an actuator 3 of a buckle switch 1 is provided in the ejector 24.
  • This ejector 24 is always biased in the direction ⁇ of ejecting the tongue 21 by an ejector spring (not shown).
  • the basic structures of the base frame 23, the ejector 24, and the ejector spring are conventionally well known and thus their detailed description will be omitted.
  • the buckle switch 1 is provided on the bottom wall 23c of the base frame 23.
  • Fig. 3 schematically illustrates the buckle switch, where Fig. 3(a) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a non-operation state of the buckle switch, similar to Fig. 6(a), Fig. 3(b) illustrates the position relationship among fixed contacts, Fig. 3(c) illustrates an operation state of the buckle switch, similar to Fig. 6(b).
  • the buckle switch 1 includes a NC terminal 4, a NO terminal 5, and a COM terminal 6 provided in a switch main body 2, respectively.
  • a fixed contact 7 electrically connected and attached to the NC terminal 4 is provided above the NC terminal 4
  • a fixed contact 8 electrically connected and attached to the NO terminal 5 is provided above the NO terminal 5
  • a fixed contact 25 electrically connected and attached to the COM terminal 6 is provided above the COM terminal 6.
  • a movable piece 10 is attached to a press button 13 and straightly moved downward in the switch main body 2 by pressing the press button 13 downward in Fig. 3(a).
  • three movable contacts 9a, 9b, and 9c are arranged at the movable piece 10 in a straight line perpendicular to the movement direction of the movable piece 10. In this case, the three movable contacts 9a, 9b, and 9c are electrically connected with one another.
  • the movable contact 9a is separated from and slidably contacts the fixed contact 7, and the movable contact 9b is separated from and slidably contacts the fixed contact 8, and the movable contact 9c always slidably contacts the fixed contact 25.
  • the buckle switch 1 according to the present embodiment is constructed as a slide switch. Moreover, it goes without saying that the movable piece 10 does not contact a conducting wire (or a conductor) for electrically connecting the fixed contacts 7, 8, and 25 with the NC terminal 4, the NO terminal 5, and the COM terminal 6 corresponding to the fixed contacts 7, 8, and 25, respectively.
  • an upper edge 7a of the fixed contact 7 of the NC terminal 4 and an upper edge 25a of the fixed contact 25 of the COM terminal 6 are positioned in another straight line perpendicular to the movement direction of the movable piece 10
  • a lower edge 7b (an end edge in the present invention) of the fixed contact 7 of the NC terminal 4 and an upper edge 8a (a start edge in the present invention) of the fixed contact 8 of the NO terminal 5 are positioned in another straight line perpendicular to the movement direction of the movable piece 10.
  • the press button 13 is always biased by a return spring 26 upward, that is, in a non-operation position.
  • the actuator 3 for pressing the press button 13 is formed in a lever shape and can be flexibly bent.
  • An inverted V-shaped pressed portion 3a is provided at the middle portion of the actuator 3 and a pressing portion 3b for pressing the press button 13 is provided at the front end of the pressed portion 3a.
  • the pressed portion 3a has a contact surface 3a 1 formed of a sloped surface which can contact the ejector 24.
  • the contact surface 3a 1 detects the movement of the ejector 24.
  • a contact angle ⁇ slope angle with respect to the movement direction of the ejector 24 that the ejector 24 contacts the contact surface 3a 1 is preferably set to 45 degrees or more in a timing that the contact of the COM terminal 6 is changed from the NC terminal 4 to the NO terminal 5 and the buckle switch 1 is switched from OFF to ON, that is, in the neutral state of the buckle switch 1. Accordingly, the switch speed of the buckle switch 1 from the NC terminal 4 to the NO terminal 5 can more increase.
  • the other constructions of the buckle switch 1 according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the buckle switch 1 disclosed in Patent Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-311091 shown in Fig. 6.
  • the buckle switch 1 As shown in Fig. 2(a), the buckle switch 1 according to the present embodiment is provided in the bottom wall 23c of the base frame 23 of the buckle 22 such that the contact surface 3a 1 of the pressed portion 3a of the actuator 3 can contact the actuator pressing portion 24a of the ejector 24 which is moved together with insertion of the buckle 22 of the tongue 21.
  • the other constructions of the buckle 22 having the buckle switch 1 according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the conventional buckle.
  • the ejector 24 in the non-operation state of the buckle 22 into which the tongue 21 is not inserted, the ejector 24 is biased to the non-operation position of a leftmost position by the ejector spring. Accordingly, the actuator 3 of the buckle switch 1 is also freely in the non-operation position, the press button 13 is also in the non-operation position released from the actuator 3, and the buckle switch 1 is in the non-operation state.
  • the movable contact 9a contacts the substantially middle portion between the upper and lower edges 7a and 7b of the fixed contact 7, and the movable contact 9b is separated from the fixed contact 8 in a position slightly higher than the upper edge 8a of the fixed contact 8, and the movable contact 9c contacts a position lower than the upper edge 25a of the fixed contact 25.
  • the COM terminal 6 is electrically connected to the NC terminal 4 and electrically disconnected from the NO terminal 5.
  • the buckle switch 1 is in the OFF state.
  • the front end of the tongue 21 contacts the ejector 24 and horizontally presses the ejector 24, similar to the conventional tongue and buckle. Then, the ejector 24 is guided by the guide hole 23d and moved straight to the right side against the biasing force of the ejector spring. Thus, the position of the ejector 24 is changed.
  • the actuator pressing portion 24a of the ejector 24 contacts the contact surface 3a 1 of the pressed portion 3a of the actuator 3 and presses the contact surface 3a 1 to the right side. Then, the actuator 3 rotates in the clockwise direction and is flexibly bent and, as shown in Fig. 2(b), the pressing portion 3b contacts the press button 13.
  • the actuator 3 is more flexibly bent and the pressing portion 3b presses the press button 13 downward.
  • the press button 13 is moved downward against the biasing force of the return spring 26 and the movable piece 10 is straightly moved downward in accordance with the downward movement of the press button 13. Accordingly, the movable contact 9a slides on the fixed contact 7 to be positioned at the lower edge 7b, and the movable contact 9b is positioned at the upper edge 8a of the fixed contact 8. Thus, the buckle switch 1 is in the neutral state. At this time, the movable contact 9c slides on the fixed contact 25.
  • the movable contact 9a is separated from the fixed contact 7
  • the movable contact 9b fully contacts the fixed contact 8 and slides on the fixed contact 8
  • the movable contact 9c slides on the fixed contact 25.
  • the press button 13 that is, the movable contacts 9a, 9b, and 9c are moved at a relatively high speed.
  • the COM terminal 6 is rapidly switched from the NC terminal 4 to the NO terminal 5, and the COM terminal 6 is electrically connected to the NO terminal 5 and electrically disconnected from the NC terminal 4.
  • the buckle switch 1 is switched from OFF to ON.
  • the buckle switch 1 is rapidly switched from OFF to ON through the instantaneous neutral state, without substantially a time lag.
  • the ejector 24 When the engagement between the tongue 21 and the buckle 22 is released by operating a release button (not shown) of the buckle 22, the ejector 24 is moved to the left side, that is, in the ejection direction ⁇ by the biasing force of the ejector spring and thus the tongue 21 is pulled out of the buckle 22.
  • the side surface of the actuator pressing portion 24a In accordance with the movement of the ejector 24 in the ejection direction ⁇ , the side surface of the actuator pressing portion 24a is deviated from the top of the inverted V-shaped pressed portion 3a and thus the force of the ejector 24 for pressing the actuator 3 gradually decreases.
  • the press button 13 is moved upward by the biasing force of the return spring 26 and thus the movable piece 10 is also moved upward.
  • the three movable contacts 9a, 9b, and 9c are also moved upward.
  • the movable contact 9a contacts the fixed contact 7 and slides on the fixed contact 7 via the neutral state
  • the movable contact 9b is separated from the fixed contact 8
  • the movable contact 9c slides on the fixed contact 25.
  • the buckle switch 1 is switched from ON to OFF.
  • the actuator pressing portion 24a of the ejector 24 When the actuator pressing portion 24a of the ejector 24 is far apart from the contact surface 3a 1 of the pressed portion 3a, as shown in Fig. 3(a), the actuator 3 and the press button 13 of the buckle switch 1 is freely positioned in the non-operation position. In addition, finally, as shown in Fig. 2(a), the ejector 24 is positioned in the leftmost non-operation position in the buckle 22.
  • the movable contacts 9a, 9b, and 9c slidably contact the corresponding fixed contacts 7, 8, and 25, respectively, it is difficult to insert a foreign material between the movable contacts 9a, 9b, and 9c and the fixed contacts 7, 8, and 25. Although the foreign material is inserted between the contacts, it is possible to easily remove the foreign material by the sliding between the movable contacts 9a, 9b, and 9c and the fixed contacts 7, 8, and 25.
  • the slidably contact between the movable contacts 9a, 9b, and 9c and the fixed contacts 7, 8, and 25 makes it difficult to generate a non-conductive product at the contact surface between the movable contacts 9a, 9b, and 9c and the fixed contacts 7, 8, and 25.
  • the non-conductive product is generated at the contact surface, it is possible to easily remove the non-conductive product by the sliding between the movable contacts 9a, 9b, and 9c and the fixed contacts 7, 8, and 25.
  • the buckle switch 1 is switched on or off while removing the foreign material or the non-conductive product or can automatically remove the foreign material or the non-conductive product by switching on/off the buckle switch 1.
  • the electrical conduction between the movable contacts 9a, 9b, and 9c and the fixed contacts 7, 8, and 25 can be sufficiently ensured for a long time.
  • the buckle switch 1 can be switched on/off at a high speed or in a short time, substantially without the time lag.
  • the switching time of the switch can be shortened.
  • the contact angle ⁇ between the ejector 24 and the contact surface 3a 1 is set to 45 degrees or more in the neutral state of the buckle switch 1, the speed of switching the buckle switch 1 from the NC terminal 4 to the NO terminal 5, that is, the speed of switching from OFF to ON can increase.
  • the buckle 22 and the seat belt device 14 of the present embodiment it is possible to surely perform the operation for a long time and stably perform various control operations related to the seat belt 19 when driving the vehicle, such as the operation of controlling the other components (engine, steering, etc.) of the vehicle or the operation of controlling the tension of the seat belt 19, based on the installation of the seat belt 19.
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a buckle switch according to another embodiment of the present invention, similar to Fig. 3(a).
  • the inverted V-shaped pressed portion 3a which contacts the actuator pressing portion 24a of the ejector 24 is provided in the actuator 3 of the buckle switch 1
  • the inverted V-shaped pressed portion 3a is not provided in the actuator 3 and a contact portion 3c of the actuator 3 which contacts the actuator pressing portion 24a of the ejector 24 is provided in the same plane as that of the pressing portion 3b.
  • the plane having the contact portion 3c and the pressing portion 3b is a surface which slopes with respect to the movement direction of the ejector 24, that is, directions ⁇ and ⁇ of inserting and ejecting a tongue.
  • the movement size of the press button 13 cannot be larger than that of the embodiment shown in Figs. 3(a) through 3(c). Accordingly, it is preferable that the position of the actuator pressing portion 24a of the ejector 24 which starts to contact the actuator 3 is located at a point that the actuator 3 is flexibly bent (that is, at the left end of the actuator 3 in Fig. 4).
  • the slope angle of the plane having the contact portion 3c and the pressing portion 3b may be set to be large, similar to the slope angle of the contact surface 3a 1 of the inverted V-shaped pressed portion 3a of the embodiment shown in Figs. 3(a) through 3(c).
  • Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a buckle switch according to another embodiment of the present invention, where Fig. 5(a) illustrates a non-operation state of the buckle switch, similar to Fig. 2(a), and Fig. 5(b) illustrates an operation state of the buckle switch, similar to Fig. 2(c).
  • the actuator 3 of the buckle switch 1 is flexibly bent in the embodiment shown in Figs. 3(a) through 3(c)
  • the actuator 3 is rotatably provided in the actuator support portion 2a of the switch main body 2, in the buckle switch 1 of the present embodiment shown in Figs. 5(a) and 5(b).
  • a spring 27 (corresponding to the actuator biasing means of the present invention) is mounted between the actuator 3 and the spring support portion 2b of the switch main body 2 in a pressed state.
  • the spring 27 in the non-operation state of the buckle switch 1 shown in Fig. 5(a), the spring 27 is positioned at the left side of the actuator support portion 2a to bias the actuator 3 in the counterclockwise direction.
  • a stopper 28 is provided in the switch main body 2 and the actuator 3 biased by the spring 27 contacts the stopper 28 such that it is in the non-operation position.
  • the spring 27 is positioned at the right side of the actuator support portion 2a to bias the actuator 3 in the clockwise direction which is opposite to that of the non-operation state.
  • the contact portion 3c which contacts the actuator pressing portion 24a of the ejector 24 is provided at the front end of the pressing portion 3b for pressing the press button 13.
  • the actuator 3 in the non-operation state of the buckle switch 1, the actuator 3 is biased by the spring 27 in the counterclockwise direction, that is, a direction that the pressing portion 3b of the actuator 3 is far apart from the press button 13. Thus, the actuator 3 is not suddenly moved to press the press button 13 and operate the buckle switch 1. The buckle switch 1 is surely held in the non-operation state.
  • the actuator pressing portion 24a of the ejector 24 contacts the contact portion 3c of the actuator 3 and the actuator 3 rotates about the actuator support portion 2a in the clockwise direction.
  • the spring 27 also rotates about the spring support portion 2b in the clockwise direction and the spring 27 positioned at the left side of the actuator support portion 2a approaches the actuator support portion 2a.
  • the actuator 3 when the rotation amount of the actuator 3 (corresponding to the operation amount of the present invention) is not greater than a predetermined amount which does not pass the actuator support portion 2a, the actuator 3 is biased by the spring 27 in the counterclockwise direction, that is, a direction that the movable contacts 9a, 9b, and 9c are not moved.
  • the actuator 3 is biased by the spring 27 from the counterclockwise direction to the clockwise direction. That is, when the rotation amount of the actuator 3 exceeds the predetermined amount, the actuator 3 is biased by the spring 27 in the clockwise direction, a direction that the movable contacts 9a, 9b, and 9c are moved. Then, the actuator 3 automatically presses the press button 13 of the buckle switch 1 by the biasing force of the spring 27 without using the ejector 24, and the press button 13 is moved in the operation direction (right side in Figure) against the biasing force of the return spring 26.
  • the buckle switch 1 is rapidly switched OFF to ON and the buckle switch 1 is in the operation state. Further, in the operation state of the buckle switch 1, since the actuator 3 is biased by the spring 27 in the clockwise direction, that is, a direction that the pressing portion 3b of the actuator 3 presses the press button 13, the actuator 3 is not suddenly moved to be separated from the press button 13. Thus, the buckle switch 1 is not switched to the non-operation state and is surely held in the operation state.
  • the ejector 24 in the operation state of the buckle switch 1, when the tongue 21 is pulled out of the buckle 22, the ejector 24 is moved from the position shown in Fig. 5(c) to the left side, and an actuator release-direction pressing portion 24b of the ejector 24 contacts the actuator 3 and the actuator 3 rotates about the actuator support portion 2a in the counterclockwise direction. If the position of the spring 27 is changed from the right side to the left side of the actuator support portion 2a, the actuator 3 is biased by the spring 27 in the counterclockwise direction. Thus, the actuator 3 automatically (without using the ejector 24) rapidly rotate in the counterclockwise direction by the biasing force of the spring 27, contacts the stopper 28, and is positioned in the non-operation location shown in Fig. 5(a).
  • the operation of switching the buckle switch 1 from ON and OFF can be rapidly performed and the buckle switch 1 is surely and stably held in both the non-operation state and the operation state.
  • the present invention in order to detect the engagement between the tongue 21 and the buckle 22, the movement of the ejector 24 which is moved together with the insertion of the tongue 21 is detected.
  • the engagement between tongue 21 and the buckle 22 may be detected by operating the actuator 3 with the position change of the tongue 21 of which the position is changed depending on the engagement and the non-engagement between the tongue 21 and the buckle 22 or the position change of the other component of the buckle 22.
  • a buckle switch, a buckle including the buckle switch, and a seat belt device according to the present invention can be suitably used in a buckle which is equipped in a vehicle such as an automobile and into which a tongue, that is slidably supported by a seat belt for protecting a vehicle occupant, is inserted and engaged, and a seat belt device including the same.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Buckles (AREA)
  • Automotive Seat Belt Assembly (AREA)
EP06003584A 2005-03-17 2006-02-22 Contacteur de bouclage de ceinture de sécurité, boucle avec un contacteur de bouclage de ceinture de sécurité, et ceinture de sécurité employant une boucle Not-in-force EP1702817B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2005076733A JP4609934B2 (ja) 2005-03-17 2005-03-17 バックルスイッチ、これを備えたバックル、およびこのバックルを備えたシートベルト装置

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1702817A1 true EP1702817A1 (fr) 2006-09-20
EP1702817B1 EP1702817B1 (fr) 2007-09-26

Family

ID=36127356

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06003584A Not-in-force EP1702817B1 (fr) 2005-03-17 2006-02-22 Contacteur de bouclage de ceinture de sécurité, boucle avec un contacteur de bouclage de ceinture de sécurité, et ceinture de sécurité employant une boucle

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US7360288B2 (fr)
EP (1) EP1702817B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP4609934B2 (fr)
CN (1) CN100559530C (fr)
DE (1) DE602006000125T2 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103204132A (zh) * 2012-01-11 2013-07-17 株式会社东海理化电机制作所 扣环装置
EP3653452A1 (fr) * 2018-11-16 2020-05-20 Hyundai Motor Company Apparail de detection pour sangle et systeme de vehicule integrant celui-ci

Families Citing this family (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP4724071B2 (ja) * 2006-08-10 2011-07-13 株式会社東海理化電機製作所 スイッチ装置及び、その組立方法
JP5128300B2 (ja) * 2008-01-29 2013-01-23 株式会社東海理化電機製作所 スイッチ装置
JP5119051B2 (ja) 2008-06-03 2013-01-16 アルプス電気株式会社 押釦スイッチ
JP5544603B2 (ja) * 2008-12-01 2014-07-09 オートリブ ディベロップメント エービー スイッチ付バックル装置
JP5052579B2 (ja) * 2009-09-18 2012-10-17 ホシデン株式会社 バックル装置用スライドスイッチ
US20110232051A1 (en) * 2010-03-23 2011-09-29 Tk Holdings Inc. Seat belt buckle mechanism
DE102010029979A1 (de) * 2010-06-11 2011-12-15 Zf Friedrichshafen Ag Schleifkontaktschalter
DE102012011506A1 (de) * 2012-06-09 2013-12-12 Gm Global Technology Operations, Llc Ausgabeeinrichtung zur Ausgabe einesWarnhinweises
JP6358917B2 (ja) * 2014-10-16 2018-07-18 株式会社東海理化電機製作所 無線式シートベルト装着検出装置
CN205091897U (zh) * 2015-09-25 2016-03-16 海湾安全技术有限公司 火灾报警装置
DE102016122423A1 (de) * 2016-11-22 2018-05-24 Johnson Electric Germany GmbH & Co. KG Schaltvorrichtung
DE102016122422A1 (de) * 2016-11-22 2018-05-24 Johnson Electric Germany GmbH & Co. KG Betätigungselement für einen Mikroschalter und Vorrichtung mit einem solchen zusätzlichen Betätigungselement
US11676781B1 (en) * 2022-04-22 2023-06-13 Dell Products L.P. Inrush current limiting enabled switch

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5109199A (en) * 1989-03-18 1992-04-28 Daimler-Benz Ag Seat belt buckle monitor switch having cooperative circuit
DE19608223A1 (de) * 1996-03-04 1997-09-11 Burgess Gmbh Gurtschloß für einen Sicherheitsgurt eines Personenbeförderungsmittels
US20010033492A1 (en) * 1999-10-04 2001-10-25 Lloyd Walker Rogers Illuminated diagnosable buckle assembly
JP2004311091A (ja) * 2003-04-03 2004-11-04 Hirose Cherry Precision Co Ltd 電気スイッチ装置

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3781497A (en) * 1972-10-12 1973-12-25 Allied Chem Seat belt buckle plunger type switch and housing containing belt latch mechanism
JPS5790528U (fr) * 1980-11-25 1982-06-03
JPS5832039U (ja) * 1981-08-26 1983-03-02 株式会社東海理化電機製作所 自動車のアウタ−ミラ−角度調整システム
JPS61146833U (fr) * 1984-10-25 1986-09-10
KR900001050Y1 (ko) * 1987-05-29 1990-02-15 강충석 시동스위치를 형성한 자동차안전 밸트의 버클
JPH0476227U (fr) * 1990-11-15 1992-07-03
US5590904A (en) * 1995-08-15 1997-01-07 Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. Dual resistance switch for buckle confirmation
US5941337A (en) * 1998-07-16 1999-08-24 Castellanos; Julio Anti-theft seat belt
KR20010018903A (ko) * 1999-08-23 2001-03-15 이현복 자동차용 버클의 로킹 상태 검출회로
JP2002362312A (ja) * 2001-06-04 2002-12-18 Nsk Autoliv Co Ltd シートベルト装置
DE20204318U1 (de) * 2002-03-19 2002-08-08 EAO-ESA-Elektro Zweigniederlassung Auerbach der EAO Lumitas GmbH, 08209 Auerbach Schalter für ein Gurtschloß

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5109199A (en) * 1989-03-18 1992-04-28 Daimler-Benz Ag Seat belt buckle monitor switch having cooperative circuit
DE19608223A1 (de) * 1996-03-04 1997-09-11 Burgess Gmbh Gurtschloß für einen Sicherheitsgurt eines Personenbeförderungsmittels
US20010033492A1 (en) * 1999-10-04 2001-10-25 Lloyd Walker Rogers Illuminated diagnosable buckle assembly
JP2004311091A (ja) * 2003-04-03 2004-11-04 Hirose Cherry Precision Co Ltd 電気スイッチ装置

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 2003, no. 12 5 December 2003 (2003-12-05) *

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103204132A (zh) * 2012-01-11 2013-07-17 株式会社东海理化电机制作所 扣环装置
CN103204132B (zh) * 2012-01-11 2015-10-28 株式会社东海理化电机制作所 扣环装置
EP3653452A1 (fr) * 2018-11-16 2020-05-20 Hyundai Motor Company Apparail de detection pour sangle et systeme de vehicule integrant celui-ci
CN111196244A (zh) * 2018-11-16 2020-05-26 现代自动车株式会社 用于检测车辆带扣的装置和包括该装置的车辆系统
US10988107B2 (en) 2018-11-16 2021-04-27 Hyundai Motor Company Apparatus for detecting vehicle buckle and vehicle system including same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP4609934B2 (ja) 2011-01-12
CN100559530C (zh) 2009-11-11
DE602006000125T2 (de) 2008-07-10
DE602006000125D1 (de) 2007-11-08
US7360288B2 (en) 2008-04-22
EP1702817B1 (fr) 2007-09-26
US20060207074A1 (en) 2006-09-21
CN1835152A (zh) 2006-09-20
JP2006255154A (ja) 2006-09-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1702817B1 (fr) Contacteur de bouclage de ceinture de sécurité, boucle avec un contacteur de bouclage de ceinture de sécurité, et ceinture de sécurité employant une boucle
US6907646B2 (en) Seatbelt buckle apparatus
EP1400420B1 (fr) Dispositif polyvalent de capteur de ceinture de sécurité
US9539982B2 (en) Belt buckle switch
JP2005190906A (ja) バックルスイッチおよびこれを備えたバックル
US5781971A (en) Seat belt buckle with inertia locking mechanism
JP5656670B2 (ja) バックルスイッチ、バックル、およびシートベルト装置
KR101347264B1 (ko) 시트벨트 버클 장치
JP4199751B2 (ja) シートベルト装置
KR101404687B1 (ko) 시트벨트 버클 장치
CN113675024B (zh) 按钮结构以及电子设备
KR100452781B1 (ko) 안전벨트의 버클스위치
JP2008146968A (ja) 入力装置
KR101383230B1 (ko) 시트벨트 버클 장치
KR101383231B1 (ko) 시트벨트 버클 장치
WO2007055050A1 (fr) Dispositif antidéfaillance d’assemblage
KR100490100B1 (ko) 안전벨트용 홀스위치
JP6118769B2 (ja) スイッチ付きバックル装置
KR101404688B1 (ko) 시트벨트 버클 장치
JP6283270B2 (ja) バックル
JP2015043974A (ja) バックル
KR100610963B1 (ko) 시트벨트 웨빙의 위치 조절 장치
JPH0840194A (ja) シートベルトプリローダー
KR20140027762A (ko) 시트벨트 버클 장치
JPH11153613A (ja) 衝撃検出装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA HR MK YU

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20070201

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): DE FR GB SE

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB SE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 602006000125

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20071108

Kind code of ref document: P

ET Fr: translation filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: TRGR

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20080219

Year of fee payment: 3

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20080208

Year of fee payment: 3

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20080627

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20091030

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090302

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090223

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20130220

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20140417

Year of fee payment: 9

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20140222

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140222

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602006000125

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150901